What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification to the work environment or the way a job is typically carried out that allows a qualified individual to perform the essential functions of the role.
It is the responsibility of the individual to request such accommodations via the campus ADA Coordinator.
Who is eligible to apply for accommodation under ADA?
Open to employees, including student employees and volunteers.
What is the role of the ADA Coordinator?
The role of the ADA Coordinator is to ensure that all individuals with disabilities are provided with the necessary support and accommodations in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, including the and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA Coordinator is available to provide assistance to faculty and staff in a courteous and professional manner and to work collaboratively with you to find effective solutions that meet your specific needs.
The process should be interactive and include input from the employee, manager or director.
Request for Accommodations Process
The accommodation process depends on effective communication among all parties to achieve successful outcomes and compliance with the ADA.
- Employees needing accommodation may be referred to the ADA coordinator or designee and directed to fill out the Application to Request Reasonable Accommodation of a Disability form; job search applicants may submit a request via our . The application will be kept by the ADA coordinator in a confidential file.
- The ADA coordinator will review the employee's accommodation request and schedule a brief meeting to discuss it.
- The employee will be asked to share the essential functions of their job and may be requested to provide documentation from their medical or healthcare provider
- Documentation should include the nature of the impairment, its severity, the duration, the activities limited by the impairment(s) and the extent to which the impairment(s) limits the employee's ability to perform the job's essential duties and functions.
- The ADA coordinator will meet with the involved parties, including the direct supervisor or chair, to review the plan requested by the employee. The meeting will focus on the accommodations, NOT the disability.
- Once an agreement is reached, the employee is asked to confirm or accept the plan in writing. Upon receiving confirmation, the accommodation plan is activated, and remains in a secure, confidential file in the ADA coordinator's office. On rare occasions, if an agreement cannot be reached among the involved parties, an employee may file an appeal.
- The accommodation plan is reviewed annually or as needed. The employee or employer can request a modification or discontinue the plan if it is no longer needed, and should contact the ADA coordinator.
For additional questions, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Ada Robinson-Perez, at 607-777-4775 or arobins@binghamton.edu or the Office of Human Resources at 607-777-2187.
Examples of accommodations may include:
- Accessible parking
- Modified work schedules
- Altered work environments
- Equipment change or special equipment
- Reorganization of the job or reassignment
- All for extended deadline timeframe
- Offer mental wellness (EAP)
- Change testing process, training materials or policies
- Sign Language Interpreter
- Service animals
Community Resources
The Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC) provides services to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. °®¶¹´«Ã½ contracts with . Contact the ADA Coordinator for assistance with coordinating an ASL Interpreter:
STIC Interpreter Services Coordinator:
(607) 238-2694 (24 hr cell)
(607)724-2111 ext 338 (Voice/TTY) or toll-free at (877) 722-9150
Email: interpreters@stic-cil.org
Campus Resources
Commencement Accessibility Planning
Libraries Accessibility Services
Services for Students with Disabilities
Professional Staff Senate Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (AIDE) Committee
Tips for accessible events
As a public institution, it is important to ensure that our events are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical challenges or disabilities. Disability is a protected characteristic as defined by law, and it may include both visible and non-visible disabilities. Please review the suggestions for creating inclusive events.
Please consider the following when planning your event:
- Where possible do your best to plan an event that people of all abilities will feel equally included without need of making special requests
- Include contact information in all event communications for those who wish to make inquiries about accommodation needs or requests
- Ensure that your venue has access to handicapped parking areas and is wheelchair accessible
- Research campus resources that may be available for your event